If you live in Bathurst, Katoomba, or Lithgow, you know the drill. Something goes wrong with your iPhone, Mac, or iPad, and the first solution people think of is the Genius Bar at Penrith. But let’s be honest—who really wants to book weeks ahead for an appointment and then drive all the way to Penrith just to get help? That’s at least an hour (or more!) out of your day, and that’s before you’ve even queued up at the Apple Store.
That’s why we created The Monkey Bar, Lithgeek’s brand-new tech help desk at 85 Main Street, Lithgow. It’s designed for locals who don’t want the hassle of long drives, rigid appointments, and the limits of what Apple is allowed to help you with.
Why choose The Monkey Bar over the Genius Bar?
Let’s get something clear—we’re not here to criticise Apple. Their technicians do a great job, but they’re bound by Apple’s internal policies. That means there are a lot of situations where they simply can’t help you, even if you know it’s technically possible.
At The Monkey Bar, we don’t have those restrictions. Because of my time working as a software specialist at AppleCare in the iApps Tier 2 team, I’ve been trained to handle problems at a deeper level than what you’ll usually find in retail. I’ve helped customers all over the world with complex Apple software issues, and now I’m bringing that same knowledge back home to the Blue Mountains and Central West.
So whether you’re in Bathurst, just over the range in Katoomba, or right here in Lithgow, you can pop in without worrying about the trip to Penrith or the long wait for an appointment.
How The Monkey Bar works
We’ve kept things simple. At The Monkey Bar, you only pay for the time you use—$80 per hour, billed in six-minute increments. That means if you just need a quick 12 minutes of help, you’re only paying $16.
Better still, you don’t need an appointment (at least for now!). Just walk into 85 Main Street, and we’ll get you sorted. Whether it’s:
- Recovering lost photos
- Troubleshooting stubborn apps
- Fixing syncing issues with iCloud
- Teaching you how to make the most of your Mac, iPhone, or iPad
- Or even spending a few hours helping you organise your digital life
—your time is yours. If you want to spend three hours learning how to manage your photos, that’s absolutely fine.
To keep things fair and transparent, we even run a timer that shows you exactly how much time you’ve used and the cost so far. And here’s the fun bit—we’ll even pause the timer while we’re waiting for long downloads or while answering the phone to help another customer. That way, you’re only paying for real help, not sitting around. (Down the track, when things get busier, this policy may change, but for now it’s our way of saying thank you for supporting a local business.)
Training and classes
Not everyone needs tech support—sometimes you just need confidence. That’s why starting in September 2025, Lithgeek will also be running a series of tech literacy classes. These will be perfect for seniors, small business owners, and anyone who just wants to get more out of their devices.
Think of them as group lessons where you can ask questions, try things hands-on, and walk away feeling like you actually understand your technology instead of being at its mercy. We’ll be covering:
- How to keep your devices safe and secure
- Managing photos and cloud storage
- Getting the most out of iPhones and iPads
- Using Macs and Windows PCs more effectively
- And much more!
You’ll be able to find full details and book spots through our website or by visiting us at our new location.
Supporting Bathurst, Katoomba, and Lithgow
One of our biggest goals with The Monkey Bar is to support the local community. Driving to Penrith for tech support just doesn’t make sense when you have expert help right here. We’re proud to serve Lithgow locals, but we’re also just a short drive for people in Bathurst and Katoomba who would rather keep their support dollars closer to home.
So next time you need help—whether it’s fixing, learning, or setting up something new—skip the stress of booking a Genius Bar appointment. Instead, pop into 85 Main Street Lithgow, grab a spot at The Monkey Bar, and let’s get your tech sorted.
Final word
Technology should work for you, not the other way around. At The Monkey Bar, we’re here to make sure that happens—whether you need quick support, in-depth troubleshooting, or a few hours of guided training.
So, Bathurst, Katoomba, and Lithgow: save yourself the Penrith road trip. Come visit Lithgeek at 85 Main Street Lithgow and let us take the stress out of your tech.